The approved volunteers for the shoreline excursion to track down any evidence of the kelpie will meet at the Land's End Pub according to the revised itinerary posted at City Hall, to await the arrival of Admiral Nelson and team from the Seaview.

Hiking gear and portable refreshments are suggested.

Photography allowed, but keep personal questions to a minimum or risk being expelled from the expedition.

Sketch artist's rendering of Miss Nelson

Miss Edith Louise Nelson, the sister of Admiral Harriman Nelson, spoke to reporters shortly after she landed at Inverness International Airport.

"I'm very happy to be here. Relieved, actually. The flight was so bad, I'm sure I'm not the only passenger who spent most of time wishing we'd never even taken off.

“I know that flying is the safest way to travel but it can put the fear of God into you. I can't count how many of us needed to get fresh clothes out of our luggage right after we landed, as food, drink, and in some cases, well, those airsick bags weren't all that dependable, which had stained our clothes from the roller coaster ride we had for part of our flight.

“I can't praise the flight attendants enough. If they were scared they certainly didn't show it. And they were very helpful cleaning up everyone's messes the best they could. And of course, kudos to the pilots for bringing us through safely.

“I hope I can be of some help with the kelpie expedition. I'm not really sure what I can do, but when I found out that the Boston Museum had its own tapestry of a water horse, well, I couldn't resist asking if I might bring it along for the boys to look at.

“You know, we have our own kinds of lake and river monsters in the states, like the ones believed to be in Lake Champlain. Perhaps we also have these kelpie creatures too...whatever the case, I think Lee will be interested. I'm not so sure about Harry. He’s still pretty skeptical about the whole thing.

“In addition to the expedition, I'm looking forward to all those wonderful Scottish Shortbread Cookies you have here."

Reaction to Today's Change of Plans

"Well," Mr. Angus McDonald said, “I just hope the admiral's up to a rugged hike. I guess the captain’s still laid low from the food poisoning and sure enough I know I’m not up to snuff yet either. But I think I can handle a little hike, especially as I have a good supply of uisge beath*.

*Gaelic for ‘water of life’ or the original Scottish whiskey, sure to help make for a pleasant outing.

Winter Picnic at Urquhart Castle?

Lt. Cdr. O’Brien, current Officer of the Deck aboard Seaview, has confirmed that there are no plans for the Nelson party to extend today’s hike to include a visit to the famous Urquhart Castle, though a winter picnic lunch had been discussed and dismissed.

The first of several planned expedition hikes, today's hike will only extend some five to ten miles in both directions from 'ground zero'', as the commander called Mr. McDonald's sighting spot.

It's conceivable though, that will the arrival of Miss Nelson, a picnic might take place at the old ruin after all, if only with her sister in law Mrs. Harriman Nelson, and Mrs. Crane.